POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
‘It’s a race.’ What Modesto parents are doing to get their kids DMV driving tests
Modesto Bee
Some Modesto parents are going the distance — literally — to get driver’s licenses for their teens. Unable to schedule timely behind-the-wheel driving tests through the Department of Motor Vehicles’ online appointment system in Modesto or at offices in nearby cities, they’ve gone to places including Merced, Mariposa and Clovis.
Central SJ Valley:
Former Police Chief Jerry Dyer Will Be Fresno's Next Mayor
VPR
Former Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer will be the city’s next mayor, according to Wednesday afternoon’s election results from Fresno County.
Tulare County DA: Bring back truth in sentencing
Visalia Times Delta
I believe one fundamental right a victim should have is “truth in sentencing.” Prosecutors should be able to tell a victim how long the criminal will spend behind bars. It seems simple enough, and prosecutors were once confident to answer.
In-person visitations suspended at county jails
Visalia Times Delta
In the wake of Tulare County's first confirmed COVID-19 case, officials are asking detention facilities to take extra precautions.
County Responds to Report of Misconduct in Social Services Department
Sierra News
Madera County officials have issued a statement regarding a report that surfaced earlier this week that a former Department of Social Services employee intentionally discarded more than 350 reports of potential child abuse taken in 2019.
San Joaquin's Gurdwara Just Became Fresno County's First Sikh Historical Landmark
VPR
A Sikh church in the small town of San Joaquin is now a historical landmark. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors made it official Tuesday. It’s the third Sikh historical landmark in California, but the first in Fresno County.
South SJ Valley:
KCSO no longer responding to non-emergency calls in person due to coronavirus
KGET
The Tehachapi and Bakersfield Police Departments say they’re accepting all calls, not just emergency calls. However, the departments recommend non-emergency concerns be reported online or over the phone.
See Also:
● Some first responders implement new procedures with coronavirus looming while others remain status quo Bakersfield Californian
Sally Gonzalez appointed new mayor of McFarland
KGET
The City of McFarland has appointed Sally Gonzalez as its new mayor. Gonzalez was appointed by Thursday night at its city council meeting. Gonzalez was serving on the city council and takes over for former mayor Manuel Cantu who resigned last month.
The Controversy Over GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy’s ‘Chinese Coronavirus’ Tweet, Explained
Capital Public Radio
Despite calls to apologize for what some say is a racist tweet, McCarthy said he stands by his description.
State:
Newsom ramps up California’s response to the coronavirus
San Francisco Chronicle
California ramped up its efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus this week, urging the cancellation of large gatherings, suspending most prison visits and waiving requirements that government meetings be held in public.
See Also:
● California has thousands of coronavirus tests, but it can’t use them all. Here’s why Fresno Bee
● CDC and Newsom are giving different numbers on coronavirus testing in California Merced Sun-Star
● California can seize hotels, waive civil service rules in Newsom’s new coronavirus order Sacramento Bee
● California Boosting Coronavirus Testing, Partnering With Labs And Hospitals, Issues Executive Order On Large Gatherings Capital Public Radio
● California orders insurers to waive out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus testing San Francisco Chronicle
No positive coronavirus cases at California Capitol. It’s business as usual for now Sacramento Bee
Democratic leaders in California’s Capitol said there are no known positive coronavirus cases among staff and they have not canceled tours, public hearings or other events.
Why is Newsom suddenly saying such nice things about Trump?
CalMatters
Since the coronavirus pandemic, the Democratic governor of "the most un-Trump state in America," as he once termed it, has been so conciliatory toward the president in tone — and so unlike Democratic governors elsewhere — that he's being praised by Republicans and Fox News.
Counting California in the 2020 Census
CalMatters
California is preparing for the next federal census, which will begin April 1. It’s part of a survey the U.S. Census Bureau conducts every 10 years to figure out how many people live in the country. The accuracy of the count is important for two reasons: First, it is used to assign the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal:
Washington Post
To understand why experts are so alarmed and what may be coming next, the public needs to start paying attention to a whole other set of numbers: How many ventilators do we have in this country? How many hospital beds? How many doctors and nurses? And most importantly, how many sick people can they all treat at the same time?
Trump says travel restrictions to Washington, Calif possible due to coronavirus
Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump on Thursday said domestic travel restrictions affecting areas where the coronavirus has hit hardest could become a possibility. According to a report in The New York Times, Trump said he could restrict domestic travel to hard-hit states such as Washington or California.
See Also:
● Trump defends coronavirus travel ban on Europe, says it's going to 'work out well' abc30
● Trump coronavirus response puts administration weaknesses under harsh spotlight Los Angeles Times
● Live updates: Trump to declare a national emergency in response to coronavirus Washington Post
● Donald Trump: Anybody that wants a test (for the coronavirus) can get a test.” PolitiFact
● Fact-checking Donald Trump’s mistakes about European travel due to coronavirus PolitiFact
● EDITORIAL: Trump’s virus response only worsens the chances to stop the pandemic San Francisco Chronicle
● OPINION: Taiwan and the Virus Wall Street Journal
● Commentary: What’s in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act? AEI
Trump administration blocks states from using Medicaid to respond to coronavirus crisis
Los Angeles Times
Despite mounting pleas from California and other states, the Trump administration isn’t allowing states to use Medicaid more freely to respond to the coronavirus crisis by expanding medical services.
Trump met someone infected with coronavirus. He still has no plans to get tested Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump has no plans to be tested for the coronavirus at this time, the White House said Thursday after a Brazilian official who was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19.
See Also:
● Trump administration: $1.3M for fast virus test development Fresno Bee
● U.S. Virus Testing System Is Failing, Fauci Tells Congress Wall Street Journal
Senate cancels recess next week to work on coronavirus relief package
Roll Call
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the announcement via Twitter
See also:
● McCarthy: Republicans to oppose Democratic coronavirus bill Politico
Is It Time to Reform the Federal Vacancies Reform Act?
LawFare
On Jan. 6, 2019, President Trump said he was in “no hurry” to get his cabinet members confirmed: “I sort of like ‘acting’ [because] it gives me more flexibility; do you understand that? I like ‘acting.’” He meant it. Trump has had acting officials in top positions so often that across 22 Cabinet-level jobs, acting officials have served a total of 2,736 days—more than seven years of combined time.
President Trump Meets with Irish Prime Minister
C-SPAN
President Trump talked about the coronavirus out break, travel ban and other issues, as he met with the Prime Minister of Ireland in the Oval Office today.
U.S. Considers How to Enforce Coronavirus Quarantines
Wall Street Journal
County says Missouri man broke quarantine to attend father-daughter dance; family says it wasn’t told
● America Is Broken Intelligencer
● Trump Is Failing to Prepare Americans for a Disturbing New Reality The Atlantic
● OPINION: America’s Self-Shutdown Wall Street Journal
Survey: White Evangelicals See Trump As 'Honest' And 'Morally Upstanding'
NPR
White evangelicals in the United States, the core of President Donald Trump's political base, have far more positive views of his personal conduct and character than other U.S. adults. By a nearly 2-to-1 margin, white evangelicals are more likely than other Americans to say the terms "morally upstanding" and "honest" describe Trump at least "fairly well," according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center.
The census: ‘Don’t let anyone count you out’
Capitol Weekly
Amid the piles of bills and other notices in the mail, a special invitation to complete the national census is coming to Californians beginning this week. The census, which happens once every 10 years, is a mammoth effort to get a snapshot of who is living here as of April 1.
See also:
● OPINION: The Coronavirus Could Change the Way We Take the Census New York Times
Elections 2020:
Democratic debate moved over coronavirus concerns
Los Angeles Times
The Democratic National Committee is moving Sunday’s presidential debate to Washington, D.C., from Phoenix over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
See Also:
● Biden, Sanders offer contrasts to Trump during coronavirus outbreak abc30
● Biden launches opening salvo of general election and attacks Trump on coronavirus Los Angeles Times
● Election highlights: Sanders wins California; he and Biden criticize Trump’s handling of coronavirus outbreak Washington Post
● Joe Biden Offers His Own Plan for Coronavirus Response Wall Street Journal
● Commentary: Coronavirus, campaigns and connectivity Brookings
California’s Super Tuesday turnout: Good, but nothing special
San Francisco Chronicle
With more than 1.5 million votes still left to count, turnout for California’s March 3 primary looks like it will be good, but not approaching record territory. “When everything is counted, it looks like the percentage of registered voters will be about 47, 48 or 49%,” said Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc., which tracks voting information for campaigns and other political groups. “That’s about the same as in 2016.”
Fact Check: Biden ad manipulates video to slam Trump
Washington Post
“I’ll be damned if I’m going to lose my country to this man at all.” — former vice president Joe Biden, in a campaign ad, tweeted March 3, 2020. An onslaught of political advertising is par for the course in any election year. The 2020 presidential contest proves to be no exception.
See Also:
● Biden-Trump 'Debate'; Senate Majority; Quote of the Week RealClear Politics
● OPINION: It’s fair to speculate whether Biden is mentally fit to be president Washington Post
OPINION: Democratic Voters Smash Media Myths
Wall Street Journal
In Washington, few lines are as hackneyed as Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s aphorism that “everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” That’s true, but it’s also true that pundits can sometimes twist a few “facts” into a false narrative. Consider three widely accepted misconceptions about the Democratic Party—each of them debunked by the outcome of the primaries to date.
OPINION: The Democrats Self-Quarantine
Wall Street Journal
The Democratic presidential primary race is effectively over. Bernie Sanders can’t win. The rate of turnout in primaries among the millennial socialists who are his base does not match turnout among Joe Biden’s voters, most notably black Democrats. These realities won’t change for Mr. Sanders. Indeed, they will worsen, and for one reason—the coronavirus.
Opinion: Coronavirus And In-person Voting Don't Mix. We Must Prepare For Digitized Elections
Newsweek
The coronavirus is causing complications throughout our lives. We are concerned for our health, our economy, our travel plans, our ability to access reliable information and our stockpile of hand sanitizer. But the COVID-19 pandemic is also spotlighting another area deserving of concern: our ability to vote come November.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Raisin Bargaining Association's annual meeting canceled amid COVID-19 concerns
abc30
The Raisin Bargaining Association decided Monday to postpone its annual meeting which was set for Saturday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus has crippled global shipping. That’s bad for California farmers and winemakers
Sacramento Bee
By disrupting worldwide cargo shipping, the coronavirus pandemic is creating major headaches for California’s $50 billion-a-year farming industry.
We text and order food on apps. Why does coronavirus social distancing feel different?
Los Angeles Times
Just the other day, I went out and observed people mingling en masse. I watched a crowd of tourists in the forecourt of what I still call Mann’s Chineseplace their hands, as they’ve always done, into the much-touched cement handprints of stars.
Food banks face shortages of volunteers; many Bay Area pantries close as coronavirus spreads
CalMatters
On a typical day at the vast food bank warehouse in San Jose, 80 to 100 volunteers pack apples, oranges, pears, squash and cabbage into boxes to be shipped out to hundreds of distribution sites across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Scientists are trying to make crops love salt
The Counter
Every summer, wine scientist Andrew Walker embarks on one or two road trips in search of wild grapes. Armed with an eagle eye, a team of graduate students, and a rental car—the wheels on one side rolling along the asphalt and the wheels on the other rumbling through the adjacent gravel—Walker estimates that he drives between 400 and 500 miles per day in search of native grape varieties, which conveniently thrive along the edges of roads.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Tulare County DA: Bring back truth in sentencing
Visalia Times Delta
I believe one fundamental right a victim should have is “truth in sentencing.” Prosecutors should be able to tell a victim how long the criminal will spend behind bars. It seems simple enough, and prosecutors were once confident to answer.
Hearing held in Fresno for teens charged with library fire
Porterville Recorder
The second court hearing for two 13-year-old boys charged with starting the fire on February 18 at the Porterville Public Library was held on Wednesday in Fresno.
Public Safety:
In-person visitations suspended at county jails
Visalia Times Delta
In the wake of Tulare County's first confirmed COVID-19 case, officials are asking detention facilities to take extra precautions.
County Responds to Report of Misconduct in Social Services Department
Sierra News
Madera County officials have issued a statement regarding a report that surfaced earlier this week that a former Department of Social Services employee intentionally discarded more than 350 reports of potential child abuse taken in 2019.
KCSO no longer responding to non-emergency calls in person due to coronavirus
KGET
The Tehachapi and Bakersfield Police Departments say they’re accepting all calls, not just emergency calls. However, the departments recommend non-emergency concerns be reported online or over the phone.
See Also:
● Some first responders implement new procedures with coronavirus looming while others remain status quo Bakersfield Californian
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Stock market up after days of plunging amid coronavirus pandemic
abc30
U.S. financial markets saw reprieve Friday after days of massive losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surging around 1,110 points, or more than 5%.
See Also:
● Dow Opens Up More Than 1,200 Points Capital Public Radio
● The virus is slamming markets. What’s an investor to do? Los Angeles Times
● Stocks surge on Wall Street; Dow jumps 800 points, or 4% Los Angeles Times
● U.S. markets claw back from worst meltdown since 1987 Washington Post
● Dow plunges 10 percent despite Fed lifeline as coronavirus panic grips investors Washington Post
● Fed to Inject $1.5 Trillion in Bid to Prevent ‘Unusual Disruptions’ in Markets Wall Street Journal
● Asian shares plunge after Wall Street’s worst day since ’87 Associated Press
KQED
Scott and Marisa are joined by Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, to discuss the latest on how Coronavirus could impact the state's economy.
Federal judge rules California-Quebec cap-and-trade agreement is valid
San Francisco Chronicle
California’s agreement with Quebec to share cap-and-trade markets to reduce greenhouse gases, which was challenged by the Trump administration in its campaign against efforts to combat global warming, survived its first federal court test Thursday.
WSJ Survey: Coronavirus to Trigger U.S. Economic Contraction in Second Quarter Wall Street Journal
Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal see ‘significant drag’ on 2020 U.S. growth, greater chance for recession.
See also:
● Commentary: What should a fiscal response to a COVID-19 outbreak look like? Brookings
Economists See Rising Risks of Recession World-Wide
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. and world economies look increasingly likely to slip into recession as expanding swaths of commerce shut down and the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its worst day since 1987 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Jobs:
Is coronavirus impacting your job or income? Here’s what you can do
Modesto Bee
As the new coronavirus continues to spread, many people will face the prospect of losing income or even jobs as a result of quarantines, illness or caring for loved ones. Others could lose work in the upheaval the virus is inflicting on the global economy even if they stay healthy.
See Also:
● In Reversal, Trump Administration Now Urges Agencies To Allow Telework Capital Public Radio
● Coronavirus and labor law: Know your rights, from paid sick leave to working from home Los Angeles Times
● The Coronavirus and Your Job: What the Boss Can—and Can’t—Make You Do Wall Street Journal
● How to Work From Home: A Checklist of the Essentials Wall Street Journal
● Lack of Sick Time Worries Workers as Coronavirus Looms Wall Street Journal
EDUCATION
K-12:
California schools shortchanged in lottery money
Modesto Bee
We recognize education as a great equalizer. It provides opportunity for all children of any economic class to have a chance at success. That is one of the main reasons voters created a California State Lottery in 1984 — to provide an ongoing means of additional money to benefit schools. Ballot language stated the Lottery would send “at least 34%” of every dollar to public schools.
What if schools are closed for weeks? That’s already the reality in parts of Asia
Los Angeles Times
Homework delivered via WhatsApp. “Minecraft” and Netflix instead of lectures and gym classes. Refrigerators as blackboards, harried parents, bored children — and no end in sight to what one 7-year-old calls a “nightmare.”
See Also:
● Clovis schools warn parents of ‘hoax emails’ giving false coronavirus information Fresno Bee
● Fresno, Clovis restrict sports, activities over coronavirus - but classes continue Fresno Bee
● More classes canceled Friday as Fresno-area schools work to slow spread of coronavirus Fresno Bee
● Coronavirus: School districts restrict sports, student activities over COVID-19 concerns abc30
● Local schools react to the Coronavirus outbreak KGET
● BCSD, KHSD to keep schools open for now amid coronavirus fears KGET
● Yosemite High to close after staff member visits an area where coronavirus has spread Fresno Bee
● Coronavirus: Yosemite High School to shut down for 1 day abc30
● Yosemite High Closed Today ‘Out of Abundance of Caution’ Sierra News
● Area public schools to remain open following Tulare County's first confirmed COVID-19 case Visalia Times Delta
● Merced Union High School District suspends sports events, in precautionary coronavirus move Merced Sun-Star
● Public schools won’t cancel class due to COVID-19 Visalia Times Delta
● KHSD spring high school sports suspended until at least April 14 Bakersfield Californian
Higher Ed:
Fresno-area colleges cancel in-person classes as officials try to slow spread of coronavirus
Fresno Bee
Fresno State on Thursday canceled face-to-face classes beginning next week and said classes would soon move online. Shortly after, Fresno Pacific University followed suit.
See Also:
● Fresno State temporarily canceling in-person classes amid COVID-19 concerns abc30
● Coronavirus Information Fresno City College
● UC Merced, Merced College to take preventative measures, as coronavirus concerns rise Merced Sun-Star
● Stanislaus State to cancels face-to-face classes; 2 more cases in San Joaquin County Modesto Bee
● CSUB suspends on campus classes for spring semester Bakersfield Now
● CSUB suspends in-person classes for rest of spring semester, BC begins first wave of online classes Bakersfield Californian
● CSUB moving classes online amid coronavirus concerns abc23
California instructors scramble to adapt as classes move online to slow coronavirus spread
EdSource
Colleges and universities are cancelling in-person classes across the state.
See also:
● Will Students without Home Internet Fall Behind During Coronavirus Shutdowns? PPIC
Local college teams dealing with 'heartbreaking' spring cancellations
Bakersfield Californian
Knowing what to expect didn't make the events of Thursday any easier for Jeremy Beard to handle. As the spreading coronavirus led to numerous high-profile postponements and cancellations throughout the sports world on Wednesday night, the Cal State Bakersfield baseball coach says he barely slept, anticipating that the worst was coming.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Commentary: Court Scraps Trump Claims Against California-Quebec Climate Pact
Bloomberg Environment
A federal judge has rebuffed two of the Trump administration’s key arguments against California’s climate agreement with Quebec.
Energy:
PG&E suspends disconnections for unpaid bills due to COVID-19
abc30
Pacific Gas and Electric have put a moratorium on disconnecting services for those who cannot pay their bills amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. The company said, effective immediately, it will not disconnect electricity and gas for people who are unable to pay their utility bills.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Tulare County investigating who had contact with man infected with coronavirus
Fresno Bee
One day after Tulare County confirmed its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19), health officials are working to determine who the patient came in contact with while he was showing symptoms.
See Also:
● Tulare Co. health officials provide updates on confirmed COVID-19 case abc30
● Tulare County has first coronavirus case Visalia Times Delta
● BREAKING: Tulare County to declare local emergency following first coronavirus case Visalia Times Delta
Merced County provides coronavirus hotline and webpage
abc30
Merced County is taking steps to keep the community informed about developments with the coronavirus, while also working to prevent panic.
Two new confirmed coronavirus cases in San Joaquin County
Stockton Record
San Joaquin County Public Health officials announced two new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and have declared a public health emergency.
See Also:
● Love Modesto postponed, events banned and two Downey students exposed to coronavirus Modesto Bee
● Stockton declares state of emergency due to coronavirus Stockton Record
Americans adjust to new normal as coronavirus uproots daily life
abc30
Workers lost their jobs, parents came up with impromptu home lesson plans for children kept home from shuttered schools. Families fretted over dwindling retirements accounts, the health of elderly parents, and every cough and sneeze in their midst.
See Also:
● Valley events canceled, postponed amid COVID-19 concerns abc30
● More local and national events canceled/postponed due to COVID-19 fears yourcentralvalley.com
● Americans adjust to new life, hunker down amid coronavirus Hanford Sentinel
● California virus scare closes venues, delays weddings Porterville Recorder
● Coronavirus worries prompt shoppers to go 'a little nuts' Bakersfield Californian
● CORONAVIRUS: updates and closures Bakersfield Californian
● City of Bakersfield announces cancellations and postponements in wake of coronavirus Bakersfield Californian
● Kern County cancels multiple events at parks due to coronavirus Bakersfield Californian
● Cancel-culture is hitting us hard as coronavirus spreads through the US. Can America handle all this social distancing? Stockton Record
● California has thousands of coronavirus tests, but it can’t use them all. Here’s why Sacramento Bee
● No positive coronavirus cases at California Capitol. It’s business as usual for now Sacramento Bee
● Nurses, doctors and other medical professionals face hazards in coronavirus pandemic Sacramento Bee
● California can seize hotels, waive civil service rules in Newsom’s new coronavirus order Sacramento Bee
● CDC and Newsom are giving different numbers on coronavirus testing in California Sacramento Bee
● Quarantine Grandma? California Families Scramble As Coronavirus Hits Capital Public Radio
● Coronavirus spreads rapidly as California sees life radically change Los Angeles Times
● Why will it take so long to make a coronavirus vaccine that can prevent COVID-19? Los Angeles Times
● Gov. Gavin Newsom ramps up California’s response to the coronavirus San Francisco Chronicle
● Bay Area nursing homes ban or restrict visits to limit high coronavirus risk San Francisco Chronicle
● Coronavirus Tracker San Francisco Chronicle
● Coronavirus: California testing hamstrung by shortage of key chemicals Mercury News
● Facing pandemic, California takes cover, from the Capitol to Disneyland CalMatters
● Coronavirus vs. Flu: Which Virus Is Deadlier? Wall Street Journal
● Should You Clean Your Phone to Combat Coronavirus? Definitely... Maybe. Wall Street Journal
● Travel Tips to Protect Your Health and Handle Disruptions Wall Street Journal
● This is the coronavirus math that has experts so worried: Running out of ventilators, hospital beds Washington Post
● Sick People Across the U.S. Say They Are Being Denied the Coronavirus Test New York Times
● Flattening the Coronavirus Curve New York Times
● How Pandemics Change History The New Yorker
● Coronavirus and Its Impact on the U.S. New York Times
● Stop sharing myths about preventing the coronavirus. Here are 4 real ways to protect yourself PolitiFact
● Can’t Touch This: The Coronavirus Campaign U.S. News
● What the U.S. Can Learn From Taiwan’s Response to Coronavirus U.S. News
● Doctors Plea for a Sober Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak U.S. News
● EDITORIAL: Stay home and be safe. The coronavirus pandemic demands we all take extreme precautions Los Angeles Times
● OPINION: There are reasons to be optimistic regarding the coronavirus Washington Post
In 1918, a global pandemic ravaged the world. Visalia wasn't immune
Visalia Times Delta
While the threat of the coronavirus is sending the stock market into roller coaster mode and sparking fear across the globe, it hasn’t come close to matching the terror of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The 1918 influenza outbreak was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It is estimated that about 500 million people — or one-third of the world’s population in 1918 — were infected with this virus.
L.A. County reports new community-spread coronavirus cases as state total hits 198
Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus cases continue to mount across California as counties big and small reported new tallies on Thursday and Disneyland took unprecedented action to close the theme park for the rest of the month.
Facts (and Myths) About Boosting Your Immune System
Wall Street Journal
As the new coronavirus continues to spread across the country, having an optimally functioning immune system is more important than ever. Medical professionals say it is important not to rush to buy supplements and vitamins that promise to enhance your immune system; there isn’t much evidence that such products do any good.
Should hot dogs come with cancer warnings? Doctors group sues California to make it so
Sacramento Bee
A group of doctors is suing the state of California to force health officials to apply cancer warnings to processed meat such as hot dogs, bacon and deli meat.
Human Services:
Here are the worst-rated California nursing homes. Why that matters in a coronavirus pandemic
Sacramento Bee
A resident at a Sacramento nursing home was hospitalized last spring after she developed a potentially deadly respiratory infection from Legionella bacteria in the facility’s water. Staff at the nursing home on 66th Avenue disregarded the health department’s orders for a full month. They kept using a contaminated ice machine. They potentially exposed residents to the pneumonia-causing infection.
Blood centers see drop in donations amid concerns over coronavirus
abc30
The American Red Cross issued a public plea after noticing a significant drop in donations surrounding the fear of the coronavirus over the last week. In the Valley, Central California blood centers are urging donors to help meet the needs of the hospitals in the five counties they serve.
Nurses, doctors and other medical professionals face hazards in coronavirus pandemic
Sacramento Bee
The coronavirus pandemic confronts physicians, nurses and others with a time-honored dilemma: We have a social contract with society to provide health care in both good times and bad, but what about our own health in the face of infectious pandemics?
Commentary: Policies affecting the number of physicians in the US and a framework for reform
AEI
In the US, the federal government is supposed to defer to the states on matters not reserved for it by the Constitution, such as regulating the medical profession. State medical boards, created and empowered by state legislatures, establish the criteria that must be met before physicians are issued licenses and allowed to care for patients without supervision.
Why will it take so long to make a coronavirus vaccine that can prevent COVID-19?
Los Angeles Times
Nothing can stop a global outbreak in its tracks better than a vaccine. Unfortunately, creating a vaccine capable of preventing the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 will probably take at least a year to 18 months, health officials say.
Hiltzik: How California made Obamacare work
Los Angeles Times
With the Affordable Care Act’s tenth anniversary upon us, it’s evident that California’s full-scale embrace of the law has yielded dividends for the state, its residents and even the federal government, measured in the billions of dollars and millions of covered enrollees.
IMMIGRATION
As White House takes on ‘sanctuary’ cities, tensions between L.A. County sheriff and ICE ramp up
Los Angeles Times
As the White House ramps up its offensive against so-called sanctuary cities, tensions have risen between the Los Angeles County sheriff and Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the federal agency’s operations.
LAND USE/HOUSING
California considering temporary ban on evictions as coronavirus hits economy
Sacramento Bee
A California state lawmaker said he would introduce legislation to temporarily ban evictions and home foreclosures for residents who can’t pay the bills because of the coronavirus outbreak.
State bill aims to soften closures of homes for mentally ill, homeless
San Francisco Chronicle
A new state bill proposed by Assm. David Chiu aims to increase transparency on each board-and-care closure, and give residents ample notice that they are going to have to move.
Realtors: Coronavirus expected to dampen California home sales, prices and all-cash offers
San Francisco Chronicle
California home prices and sales are likely to fall as a result of the coronavirus, but they could still eke out gains this year if lower mortgage rates offset tumbling stock prices and economic uncertainty, according to the California Association of Realtors.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Trump administration is ‘looking at’ CalPERS’ China holdings, official says. Here’s why
Sacramento Bee
The Trump administration is “looking at” CalPERS’ investments in China over concerns the investments might conflict with U.S. interests, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said this week.
Commentary: Middle class marriage is declining, and likely deepening inequality
Brookings
Over the last few decades, family formation patterns have altered significantly in the U.S., with long-run rises in non-marital births, cohabitation, and single parenthood – although in recent years many of these trends have leveled out.
TRANSPORTATION
‘It’s a race.’ What Modesto parents are doing to get their kids DMV driving tests
Modesto Bee
Some Modesto parents are going the distance — literally — to get driver’s licenses for their teens. Unable to schedule timely behind-the-wheel driving tests through the Department of Motor Vehicles’ online appointment system in Modesto or at offices in nearby cities, they’ve gone to places including Merced, Mariposa and Clovis.
Airlines offer break on ticket-change fees as coronavirus hits travel
San Francisco Chronicle
As the coronavirus wreaks havoc on travel, United and other airlines waived ticket-change fees yet again to let passengers who booked tickets for flights through the end of April change for free before the end of the year.
EDITORIAL: Hushing up concerns of bullet-train workers? Not a great look for state rail authority
Fresno Bee
Serious allegations raised this week by former workers on California’s high-speed-rail project would, if true, support charges by conservative critics that the effort is deeply flawed.
WATER
“Xtra”
How Can We Make Farm Work Healthier?
Zócalo Public Square
On Tuesday, April 14th, Organic farmer and artist Nikiko Masumoto, Huron Mayor Rey León, health researcher Chia Thao, and Tania Pacheco-Werner, co-assistant director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, visit Zócalo to consider how to make farm work healthier.
Keep track of canceled Tulare County events near you
Visalia Times Delta
Under a new policy issued by the California Department of Public Health, Gov. Gavin = Newsom said public events should be limited to no more than 250 people and should not proceed unless organizers could ensure at least six feet of distance between attendees. Gatherings of people who are at high risk of contracting the virus should be kept to 10 or less.
2020 Modesto Marathon canceled, falling victim to coronavirus guidelines
Modesto Bee
The 2020 Modesto Marathon, scheduled for late March, was canceled on Thursday due to the threat of the coronavirus. More than a combined 3,000 runners were expected for the races — marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k — scheduled for Sunday, March 29, in downtown Modesto.
One hundred VIPs get sneak-peek at Kern County Museum's newest, coolest exhibit
Bakersfield Californian
It's been a half-century in the making, but on Thursday evening, 100 invited guests enjoyed a preview of West's stage coaches, wagons and carts, along with a number of early automobiles and related artifacts, at the museum's newest and one of its largest exhibits.